Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft Launches NFC Payments For Windows 10 Phones (nfcworld.com)

Posted by msmash on from the finally-it-is-happening dept.

Microsoft has finally added support for NFC payments to its mobile operating system Windows 10 Mobile. The company this week introduced the feature in an update to Microsoft Wallet app. Users will now be able to make mobile payments with their MasterCard or Visa accounts. The feature is now available to eligible Windows 10 Mobile handset users who are part of Windows Insiders program. Other users will get it with Windows 10 Anniversary Update in a few months. From a blog post on NFC World: Supporting banks and credit unions include Bank of America, BECU, Chase, First Tech, Fifth Third Bank, People's United Bank, US Bank and Virginia Credit Union. The launch date for each bank will be "posted when available," according to Microsoft. "Microsoft Wallet is a cloud-based payment technology that will make mobile payments simple and more secure for Windows 10 Mobile devices, starting in the US with our Lumia 950, 950 XL and 650," the company says. "With Microsoft Wallet, you simply tap your phone on a contactless payment terminal and your default credit or debit card is charged.

76 comments

  1. And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    for he is all that is left using it.

    1. Re:And Kevin likes it by tripleevenfall · · Score: 1

      Be serious. There are dozen Windows Phone users who are applauding this.

    2. Re:And Kevin likes it by wkwilley2 · · Score: 1

      There are DOZENS of us and we hate it.

      --
      Have you ever fallen asleep at the keybhanusdiog?
    3. Re:And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, now they can pay for their new Android phones without getting their hands dirty.

    4. Re:And Kevin likes it by TheRaven64 · · Score: 1

      I know a few of people with Windows Phones (although most of them work for MSR, so it's a slightly biased sample set), but none of them with a phone new enough to support NFC.

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
    5. Re:And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've never had a phone with NFC and I don't see a need for it. I pay using my phone with WeChat Pay in China. No NFC required. It simply displays a bar-code on the screen, the clerk scans it, and I'm done. Easy and simply with no over-engineered bullshit like NFC.

    6. Re:And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh boy, I bet that's safe!

    7. Re:And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It is. Payment security can be set to require a Pincode, pattern code, or thumbprint. Barcodes are only valid for 1 minute and the payment option can be disabled remotely via WeChat's website.

    8. Re:And Kevin likes it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      this sounds SUPER relevant to most of the readers here.

    9. Re:And Kevin likes it by arglebargle_xiv · · Score: 1

      There are dozen Windows Phone users who are applauding this.

      "Do not think for one moment that that is the only Windows Phone user in the whole Soviet Union. There are dozens of users just like that one. Literally dozens".

  2. Yes, now microsofties can enjoy... by Viol8 · · Score: 0

    ... that moment when you lose you phone and realise that not only will someone have access to all your contacts and logins, but they can potentially clean out your bank account too. Isn't progress wonderful?

    1. Re:Yes, now microsofties can enjoy... by Winckle · · Score: 1

      Idiotic scaremongering aside, you probably need a thumbprint or PIN code to pay, just like on android or apple pay.

      But sure make the sarcastic first post.

    2. Re:Yes, now microsofties can enjoy... by cayenne8 · · Score: 1
      Yeah..I"m wondering, are there THAT many people out there that want to and actually use their phones to keep all their CC info on to pay with?

      I just don't want or trust it really....

      --
      Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
    3. Re:Yes, now microsofties can enjoy... by TheRaven64 · · Score: 2

      But think how convenient it is. You can replace a thin piece of plastic that doesn't require a battery with a device many times the size that does!

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
    4. Re:Yes, now microsofties can enjoy... by geekmux · · Score: 1

      Idiotic scaremongering aside, you probably need a thumbprint or PIN code to pay, just like on android or apple pay.

      But sure make the sarcastic first post.

      Your confidence in Windows security is summed up nicely here.

      Thanks. I needed that laugh today.

  3. Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My friend works at a Sprint store. They have a Windows Phone in the back. No one is asking to see it, no one is demanding to buy it. A failed relic that belongs in the dustbin of history.

    1. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by ryanmetcalf · · Score: 1

      They do? I tried to buy one, but they didn't offer any of the Lumias at Sprint, so I ended up buying a Nexus from Google
      Can't even find Windows phones on their online site https://www.sprint.com/shop/?I...

    2. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Stormwatch · · Score: 1

      I heard stores keep WP devices out of sight because of the very high return rate from dissatisfied consumers.

      --
      Circumcision is child abuse.
    3. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by CastrTroy · · Score: 3, Informative

      You can buy them unlocked directly from Microsoft on their website. No need to get the carrier involved.

      Also, why would anybody ask to see the phones if they are in the back? Most people would probably assume that the only phones that are available at the store are the ones on display.This is probably a lot to do with why they aren't catching on more. People don't see the phones at any of the stores, so they don't even think about getting one.

      Personally, I like Windows phone a lot more than iOS or Android. The whole experience is a lot better, and I get updates much more often. With my old Android phone, I never got a single update from the way they shipped it from the factory.

      --

      Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
    4. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by HideyoshiJP · · Score: 1

      Sprint has always been awful with Windows Phone. Even when it was new and Sprint was still selling Windows Mobile devices, I basically had to beg them to sell me an HTC 7 Pro/HTC Arrive. That said, Microsoft shot themselves in the foot during the Nokia devices buyout, and I can't see anybody pushing it. Windows Phone has always had a lot of neat things, but after switching from my Lumia 925 to my Xperia Z3 and seeing how Microsoft has been treating the OS, I have no reason to go back.

    5. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by DogDude · · Score: 1

      That's funny. I'm on my third Windows Phone. My first two were at Sprint. Then, when I needed a new one, Sprint told me that it would be 6 months before they had even a single Windows Phone available to sell me. I switched to Verizon and got my newest Windows Phone there.

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
    6. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

      They're probably concerned with windows phone's rather high return rate. If they only make them available to people who specifically ask for them, then they can reduce the return rate.

      If Microsoft wants to solve that problem, then they should have taken their own UI design advice, which the tile interface completely ignores:

      https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.c...

    7. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by DogDude · · Score: 2

      The tile interface is the main reason I use the Windows Phone. The interface on Android and Apple look like my grandfather's Windows 95 desktop. Tons of unrelated icons on a grid? Really? You think that's really better than the customizable tiles?

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
    8. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 1

      The fact that Tiles make Windows Phone look like AOL from 95 is besides the point, right?

      Besides, My android home screens are exactly what I want, minimalistic, with only the icons for the six or eight things I regularly use, and everything else in the App Drawer (hidden). And the number of customizable Widgets (think "smart tiles") is way more numerous than any smart tile options Microsoft thinks its users want.

      --
      Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
    9. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I guess it has the same "Why can't I install apps on it" problem as GNU/Linux on the desktop has.

    10. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      Yeah, and it's funny how Microsoft themselves can't seem to figure this one out, even though they make that argument themselves about Windows (the PC OS).

    11. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      Great, so now you get to pay double for your phone service with Verizon, America's most expensive carrier.

    12. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Ravaldy · · Score: 1

      It's really unfortunate and I'm one of the Windows mobile user moving away due to their failure at grabbing a substantial portion of the market. I gave them a shot and they can't seem to overcome the hurdle.

      Unfortunately I feel that neither Android or IOS fits the bill for every user. Android is flexible and has a huge apps list but it still lacks consistency between devices and OS versions. Additionally their backup/recovery system although better than before is still clunky between major OS versions. The UI still feels like a cheap rip off of the IOS UI and the device manufacturers don't support the OS after the release of new devices. On the other hand, IOS has a very nice UI and lots of apps but lacks the flexibility. The need for iCloud or iTunes or both and the lack of wanting to comply with industry standards makes me cross them off the list right away. Having said that the device I see most fitting away from Windows Mobile is the Samsung Note.

      I have worked with all devices and I personally preferred the Windows UI over all other UIs. The Windows phone was a functional phone that simply lacked niche applications and that is it's demise. Instead of spending hundreds of millions on ads they should have worked with the major carriers to have them sell their phones. Additionally they needed to have their own dev team make all the missing apps until popularity picked up.

    13. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

      Aren't they working hard on natively supporting apks, so they can import the Google app store?

      --
      Your ad here. Ask me how!
    14. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by PrescriptionWarning · · Score: 1

      They were just saving you from yourself

    15. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      The tile interface is the main reason I use the Windows Phone. The interface on Android and Apple look like my grandfather's Windows 95 desktop. Tons of unrelated icons on a grid? Really? You think that's really better than the customizable tiles?

      You can group icons under folders on both iOS and Android. I have both Android and iOS devices. Tiles on windows phone remind me of AOL or Compuserve from the 80's.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    16. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't know about Sprint, but T-Mobile has one model of Windows Phone, and it's a crappy Alltel that might've been decent if it were still 2010. And they want $250 for it. Big fat "no thanks".

      So I went to the Microsoft store at a local mall (right across from the Apple store) and bought a Lumia 950 XL, and my mom bought a Lumia 640 XL (which, at $200, is cheaper than that terrible Alltel at the T-Mobile store).

      It took about 5 minutes to get the 640XL up and running on a micro-SIM taken from mom's old Galaxy S3. It took a visit to the T-Mobile store to get a nano-SIM for my 950XL, and a couple of minutes on an automated support line to switch my number over to the new SIM.

      If the carriers wanted to sell Windows devices, they'd carry ones that don't suck. I'd bet money that they're getting a sweet deal from Apple or Google (or both) to keep Windows down until Android and iOS can catch up to it. It really is that much better. I won't be going back to Android or iOS anytime soon, if ever.

    17. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My Windows 10 Mobile (it hasn't been WP for a year now) home screen only has the tiles for the things I use. The "all apps" tray hides everything else.

      The smart tiles save space by making app icons work like widgets. It's far less confusing as well. I can't count the number of times I've had to explain "widgets" to Android users. They aren't a good design. Windows' "smart tiles" are far superior.

    18. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      , and I get updates much more often.

      How often? And does OS on win phone goes to 11 without anyone noticing?

    19. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by losfromla · · Score: 1

      It must have felt weird being the only non-employee in the Microsoft store.

      --
      Only I can judge you.
    20. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      MS doesnt pay kick backs/spiffs, so the sales monkey doesnt want to bother. Go to an MS store and check one out

      My Lumia is the best phone I've had. Buy a cheap $60 one and be thrilled.

      I want a 950xl, but my 640 already does everything great, aside from not having continuum.
      I dont care about the wallet thing.

    21. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by tehlinux · · Score: 1

      You can't find one for sale on microsoftstore.com!

      --
      Most linux users don't know this, but the man pages were named after Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris fsck'ing hates noobs!
    22. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

      The interface on Android and Apple look like my grandfather's Windows 95 desktop. Tons of unrelated icons on a grid? Really? You think that's really better than the customizable tiles?

      I think the Android approach is better than that found in iOS and Windows Phone: A fully interactive widget when you need it, and an icon with space when you don't. Oh and did I mention that Windows Phone's "live" tiles are neither live nor interactive? They can only be updated once every 15 minutes at best, and the only thing you can do with them is tap to open the app, and flip in an interval that you have no control over. Android widgets meanwhile can scroll, show real-time information, and have individual objects that you can manipulate (for example, tapping a particular calendar event opens that event in the calendar app, instead of just opening the app itself.) As another example, I can place the Google Play "what song is this?" widget on my homescreen and tap it when I want to tag a song, and it will show me the song name without the need to open an app.

      WP has nothing on that, and is by all measures inferior, including at the API level. For example, want to create a custom VPN tunnel? Android has an API for that. WP does not (this makes it impossible to run OpenVPN on Windows Phone.) Want to open multiple documents at once in your app? Android can do that after you, the end user, explicitly grant it permission to access your user files (you can deny it too if you'd like, you just tap "deny" when it asks) however Windows Phone provides no such option and behaves with all of the same limitations of javascript.

      And for some reason, I'm supposed to believe windows phone is better...

    23. Re: Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

      My Windows 10 Mobile (it hasn't been WP for a year now) home screen only has the tiles for the things I use. The "all apps" tray hides everything else.

      That's actually another annoying thing about windows phone: When you want to find an app that isn't pinned to your start screen, you have to scroll down a big list with large fonts. Android's alphabetical grid icon system makes it much easier to find less often used apps.

      The smart tiles save space by making app icons work like widgets. It's far less confusing as well. I can't count the number of times I've had to explain "widgets" to Android users. They aren't a good design. Windows' "smart tiles" are far superior.

      You're joking, right? They're in every way inferior. See my post here:

      https://slashdot.org/comments....

    24. Re:Windows Phones... Do they sell them? by Ravaldy · · Score: 1

      I believe they are working 2 different angles with apks being one of them.

      The reality is that they look like the black sheep at this point. Convincing people to buy their product will require them to give a lot of it for free.

  4. ...why? by ilsaloving · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I thought Microsoft is abandoning the mobile platform entirely, because of overwhelmingly poor sales.

    Also... considering their hideous track record for security in general (Most recently: https://threatpost.com/office-... which was nothing short of breathtakingly boneheaded...), even if I had a Windows Phone (which I never will), I would never trust it to hold something as important as my credit card details.

    1. Re:...why? by DogDude · · Score: 3

      MS never said they were abandoning their mobile platform. You must be confused by the never ending train of articles on /. by self-appointed "experts" who say Windows Phone is dead. MS never announced any such thing.

      --
      I don't respond to AC's.
    2. Re:...why? by SeaFox · · Score: 1

      MS never announced any such thing.

      Microsoft rarely announces they are abandoning a product line they have recently been promoting. They just stop releasing new products in the line, then the frequency of updates to existing released models slows (if applicable)... then three or so years later, when most people have changed off out of frustration, do they EOL of the product. That was what happened with Zune, too.

  5. Windows Phone offers NFC payment... by jratcliffe · · Score: 0

    ...dozens of people rejoice!

    1. Re:Windows Phone offers NFC payment... by Opportunist · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I'd have said "Both users who wanted this feature are enthusiastic".

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  6. Finally? by Richard_at_work · · Score: 2

    You've been able to do this for ages in Windows 10 for Phones:

    1. Settings
    2. Devices
    3. NFC
    4. Tap to pay

    It defaults to adding the cost to your phone bill, but you can add additional cards and payment method management apps as well.

    I've been buying stuff using a linked card for 6 months now.

    This just sounds like MS are adding an easier management system to it all and thats whats been noticed.

    1. Re:Finally? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      You've been able to do this for ages in Windows 10 for Phones:

      1. Settings 2. Devices 3. NFC 4. Tap to pay

      It defaults to adding the cost to your phone bill, but you can add additional cards and payment method management apps as well.

      I've been buying stuff using a linked card for 6 months now.

      This just sounds like MS are adding an easier management system to it all and thats whats been noticed.

      Cool. So I guess it is kind of nice to be able to have the entire userbase of windows 10 phone have a meetup at a local Starbucks. ;) Did you ask the other guy what he thinks of the feature?

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    2. Re:Finally? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, but what's your Default Payment App and Default Payment Card? Mine are both "None", and there are no options available, and nothing in the store that will work anymore, ever since Softcard shut down a while ago (because Google bought them).

      For those unfamiliar with how Microsoft's NFC payments work, you get apps from the Windows Store that act on behalf of Microsoft's Wallet app. The Wallet app is just a hub to organize and configure all of the apps that handle various payment and discount card setups. The apps that plug in to Wallet are what actually handle the payments or discounts. So when you tap-to-pay, the charges go against the default payment app, and some of those apps allow for multiple cards to be used, so there's a default payment card selectable from them as well.

      Microsoft has been working on a replacement for a while now. They unveiled it last week.

  7. And next year someone might write an app to use it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And next year someone might write an app to use the functionality......

  8. So What? by mfh · · Score: -1

    Microsoft is one of the worst companies today. Their Win10 date-rape nag-screen forces users and tricks users into upgrading. Who would trust them after that?

    It would be like a guy asking to sleep with your sister and then when you said "No" he assumed you meant "Yes" and then didn't even bother to ask her if she wanted to because he has the "ok" from you. That's Microsoft's official position on user authority... we don't have any.

    They've done a lot of things over the years that were questionable moves... but switching the standard X button top right corner of the nag screen to meaning "YES I WANT WIN10" is just plain evil.

    How can they come back from that?

    --
    The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
    1. Re:So What? by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      This is all true, but users still refuse to abandon the Windows platform, no matter how rapey it gets. So what incentive does MS have to change?

    2. Re:So What? by mfh · · Score: 1

      Well someone will take a different tack with software and OS in the future placing user authority as #1. Much like "Quality is Job 1" Ford commercials... "Users are #1" as a mantra is something that some lucky big corporation will get to milk for years.

      If a company like Tesla would hurry up and release an OS and business documents suite, I'd be really happy.

      OSes are pretty basic things if you gut the bloatware and go minimalist. Linux does a good job but they don't make it easy for the mainstream public.

      Document suites are really easy too. All you need is something that can apply CSS templates to whatever word you have highlighted; or go line by line. You'd want a spreadsheet. Nothing the extravaganza that Excel is.

      Open Office does these things but they don't compete against MSFT in the best way. They go toe-to-toe with features. That's stupid. They should have gone pure minimalist.

      I suspect someone will do this and rake in the cash as a lot of folks would make the switch.

      --
      The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
    3. Re:So What? by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      Well someone will take a different tack with software and OS in the future placing user authority as #1.

      Oh please. We've all been talking about "the year of Linux on the desktop" for over 15 years now, and it hasn't happened, or really come even close. Even Macs have had a lot more success in penetrating the business computing sector. Red Hat and Canonical have been at this stuff for ages with no real success (except on servers of course).

      If a company like Tesla would hurry up and release an OS and business documents suite, I'd be really happy.

      We already have other business documents suites: OpenOffice and LibreOffice have been around for ages, and there's also Google Docs. People aren't using them much; businesses especially are sticking with MS Office. And why would an automaker get into business software anyway?

      OSes are pretty basic things if you gut the bloatware and go minimalist. Linux does a good job but they don't make it easy for the mainstream public.

      Yes, they do actually. Installing something like Linux Mint is pretty easy, and a whole lot easier than installing Windows. I'd really like to see someone sit grandma down at a desktop PC built from components and have her install the latest Windows on it. You really think grandma is going to be able to figure out how to download drivers for stuff? And then get all the essential but not-included software you still need to make it functional (like a real web browser, a PDF viewer, etc.)? With Linux, you can have a fully-functional system in a half-hour all from one USB stick. Making things easy makes no difference at all; people are going to continue to use Windows.

      Open Office does these things but they don't compete against MSFT in the best way. They go toe-to-toe with features. That's stupid. They should have gone pure minimalist.

      Yeah, I'm sure that's really what mainstream users want: to replace their word processor with a text editor with CSS templates. *rollseyes*

    4. Re:So What? by mfh · · Score: 0

      Would you argue that Linux was designed with the user as priority #1? I wouldn't. I'd argue it was designed for system admins who wanted to keep their jobs and prevent others from challenging them. Then later on it was given slick shells to make it look cooler but still all the same issues of difficult configuration due to a plethora of options.

      No there were never any minimalist OSes available.

      IOS and Windows both tried to solve those problems... but were tempted and fell to the dark side. Once you are doing things for the user, it's really tempting to do things FOR YOURSELF and say it's for the user.

      That's why I love the film Her; the way the OS manages things for the user is always putting the user as #1 priority and not some hidden corporate agenda. Even when the OSes (spoiler) decide to leave the world, nobody suspects that it was all part of the corporation's plan -- because none of the corporations appear to be acting outside of the interest of the people.

      Why can't companies today see things that way? Because of the profit motive. That's the worst thing to have been introduced into human society and yet simultaneously the best thing. We just need to figure out how to benefit from doing things for users with their interests as our prime directive.

      Until companies figure that out everything will be always sitting on a bubble.

      --
      The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
    5. Re: So What? by Lije+Baley · · Score: 1

      FWIW, the last PC I built required nothing in extra drivers for grandma's needs. Windows 10 already installed the correct ones, and not just crappy defaults like the old days.
      On the other hand, my Mint box still has a worse UI, despite Microsoft's regressions, and the updates have to quit working every year or so, for no good reason.

      --
      Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.
    6. Re: So What? by mfh · · Score: 1

      At least with Linux you can wipe/reload without any expense or licensing hassle. Backup your data and you're good to go.

      With Windows? Expect to have to buy a new computer for every new major update because that's the carrot or the stick policy engineered to fail.

      --
      The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
  9. All 8 users excited by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Reports confirm that the user is very excited!

  10. im sure the response was shocking by nimbius · · Score: 1

    Supporting banks and credit unions include Bank of America, BECU, Chase, First Tech, Fifth Third Bank, People's United Bank, US Bank and Virginia Credit Union.

    who all responded, "Windows has a phone?"

    --
    Good people go to bed earlier.
    1. Re:im sure the response was shocking by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      who all responded, "Windows has a phone?"

       
      Hey, I have one! Granted, I don't use it anymore since I have an iPhone, much as I detest iOS. Why an iPhone? The obvious, the apps. However, you might want to watch this interview with Dag Kittlaus on Charlie Rose during which he discusses the limitations of apps. Wading through even a small collection of apps on your phone is pretty archaic give the potential of even limited context awareness / AI, especially considering the fact that phones are always connected to the Big Sky Brain. Eventually Cortana / OK Google / Siri will be the platform, not the phone + apps. That's probably why Microsoft stays in the handset game. Cortana v. Sirir or OK Google is a better competitive position for Microsoft than the phone + an app store. If that's all there was in the future, the Microsoft board probably would have killed off the phone by now, and maybe never even bought Nokia in the first place.

  11. Eh what? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

    If you tap it, how is that contactless?

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    1. Re:Eh what? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's *N*FC. Near field communications. You can tap physically if you like. Or just hold it NEAR a credit card NFC enabled terminal. Pedantry at it's finest!

    2. Re:Eh what? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      Pedantry at it's finest!

      *Golf clap*.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  12. The police will not pass up this opportunity by schwit1 · · Score: 1

    They started stealing from debit cards. Do you think they aren't already planning to do the same to your bank account via NFC?

    1. Re: The police will not pass up this opportunity by ArmoredDragon · · Score: 1

      This isn't going to be based on the same tech, if it works anything like the Android variant. In other words, your phone doesn't just send your account numbers to anybody who asks, and even when you approve it to do so, it sends a one time code that is useless afterwards.

      Phone based NFC payments are by far more secure than any other common payment method, to be honest, particularly if you use fingerprint authentication combined with a pin, because somebody would not only have to capture your print, but shoulder surf you as well. This essentially obsoletes any form of skimming, in addition to defeating the problem of a lost and then stolen card.

      Besides that, even if this was somehow less secure, (unlikely) most banks won't make you pay a cent for fraudulent transactions.

  13. Late or not? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I don't really understand this news. I don't think I use NFC, but maybe it is just so normal to have that it has become invisible and I use it daily without knowing. NFC has been out since the early 00's. Wasn't it available on previous versions of Windows (desktop and mobile)? Why didn't they support it in Windows 10 from the start?

    Worst of all is that when I get to work tomorrow the Windows phone boys will all be trilled of joy about this new feature and I can only do a face palm thinking only 34 years working as a parasite until retirement which brings me yet a step closer to a complete burn out or depression...
     

    1. Re:Late or not? by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      What kind of horribly company do you work for that all your co-workers have Windows Phones?

      You can look for a new job, you know.

  14. They still make Windows phones? by mmell · · Score: 2

    (N/T)

  15. 3 out of 5 Windows phone owners like that by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sorry, 3 out of the 5 Windows phone like that.

  16. Nokia before WP... by Stormwatch · · Score: 1

    Fun fact: Nokia had a mobile payment system back in 2010, which was wildly successful in India and was about to be launched in other developing countries. Yet, they shut it down in 2012. Guess why? Because that service was compatible with Nokia's own systems - S40, Symbian, Meego - but not with shitty Windows Phone!

    --
    Circumcision is child abuse.
  17. All the Win10 phones? by nospam007 · · Score: 1

    Both of them?

  18. Yeah! A Free Phone For Me! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I like this NFC payment system.

    I live in Denver, and the Broncos are in the AFC, so I'm exempt from paying for the phone!

  19. Oh no... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is going to get ugly

  20. What an innovative feature! by bmk67 · · Score: 1

    I can imagine that the billions of Windows Phone users must be thrilled to have this feature first, years before the competition. It's no wonder that Windows Phone is the leader in mobile operating systems.

    What will Microsoft think of next?

    Suck it, Google! Kiss my ass, Apple!

  21. NFC for windows phones by phorm · · Score: 1

    As in "Nobody F***ing Cares" ?
    They've had that feature since inception!

  22. Wrong Summary by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

    Prepaid debit cards, which hold the funds in a sort of anonymous way. Which is something criminals often use to move large sums of cash.

    While the same scanners will work with cards linked to actual accounts, the civil forfeiture program doesn't allow forfeiture in that case. It does allow the confiscation of more than $X or cash equivalents. Which debit cards are.

    TL;DR this doesn't change any of the legal requirements, nor whether those particular cards were confiscatible. It just changes whether a trooper can detect the amount on the cards. I oppose this because I would like to see where a supervisor got involved (or higher) before performing a civil forfeiture. But I don't think the police department should be denied these devices.

    --
    Your ad here. Ask me how!
  23. Icon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm an owner of a ICON phone and I'm very disappointed with Microsoft. They never did what they needed to do to get a market and actually abandoned us for a bit. I gave them a chance and they really screwed it up I will not be giving them a second!

    If they really wanted to get into the market they needed to release free things like games etc that can only be used on their phone but they failed to do this and now some of the free things they had (like GPS driving instructions) are going away. Most of the apps on the store are crap and I mean crap, some will crash right away.